Plant medicine can be powerful.
Discover what herbalists say about the benefits of botanicals and florals in food for your health.
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Florals: Theyre not just for spring anymore.
you might feel overwhelmed by the possibilities of using botanical ingredients at home to reap their benefits.
Are they added to recipes for presentation, flavor, or health benefits?
What are botanicals and florals?
We consider all natural, non-synthetic ingredients with medicinal properties to be herbs, including food.
Herbal ingredients come in many forms, which are then be added to foods and drinks.
The Chinese emperor Shen Nung wrote a book in 2500 B.C.E.
aboutusing plants like ginseng and cinnamon as medicine1.
Interested in learning more about herbalism?
registered herbalist, educator, and founder of Supernatural
It tastessurprisingly spicy, with a hint of clove flavor.
Chamomile
The tiny yellow buds surrounded by delicate white petals of chamomile are easily recognizable to many of us.
Chamomile is a nervine, supporting calmness, as well as digestion enhancer, says Robinett.
It contains a flavonoid called apigenen, which canhelp the body relaxwhich is chamomile is sopopular for supporting sleep.
Elderflower
The ethereal nature of elderflowers clustered dainty white buds are nothing short of stunning.
But this gorgeous flower offers more than just fruity flavor in cocktails and mocktails.
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4.
But hibiscus is alsosuper high in antioxidants, benefitting our immune system and heart health.
In fact, its known to help to support healthyblood pressure and cholesterol4levels.
(Hibiscus tea might alsohelp you sleep better!)
But if you love it, keep enjoying it, because ithas tons of benefits.
Lavender is considered a nervine herb, which means that its beneficial for the nervous system, says Robinett.
This is why it often has a calming effect on so many people.
Robinett also shared that this floral is a nootropic, which helps to enhance memory and cognitive function.
But this relative of calendula offers an interesting citrusy, peppery flavor that is super tasty in many recipes.
Plus, research has found this flower to serve as a potentantiseptic and treatment for wounds5.
Nasturtium
This dainty flower is often found in bright yellow, orange, and red colors.
These nutrients combine to support optimal immune, heart, bone, and cell health.
Rose
I dont think we need to explain how the romantic rose looks or smells.
But did you know that when added to foods, rose can also offer quite a few notable benefits?
Rose is another nervine as well as an astringent, or internal and topical toner, says Robinett.
Internal astringents work to reduce systemic inflammation.
But where should you start?
With florals increasing popularity also comes some exorbitant prices.
If they are grown organically, then these options can be used in the kitchen.
This could be something really simple like a tea or other water-based beverage.
Theyre also super yummy in jams, popsicles, and sorbets.
Some even like to freeze these florals into ice cubes to easily add sophistication to any beverage.
In terms of how much you should add to your recipes, go based on your taste preferences.
Excited to start playing with botanicals and florals?
Check out this homemade herbal tea recipe:
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Garden nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus L.) a source of mineral elements and bioactive compounds.Roczniki Panstwowego Zakladu Higienyvol.
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